Shooting a black car close to sunrise to sunrise.

[LeDave]

I'm going to be shooting a RS5 coming up sometime in the next 1 to 30 days. I am planning on using a Sigma 24-70 2.8 ART and a 70-200 f4 G OSS. I have a tripod and a incandescent light meter, Sekonic L-358. I have not shot a photo of a car in years! Like literally, several years. So you can call me a newbie, what are some advice from you guys? Thanks!

 

[Brownie]

• Fill flash.
• If you have a 20 or <, take it. Not sure why you're taking the 70-200, will you be shooting from a distance? I shoot very large auto shows with the 17-28.
• Don't shoot overtight frames. Leave the car some room to breathe on the whole-car beauty shots.
• Get plenty of detail shots. Wheels, interior, dash, grillwork, etc.
• Dutch tilts can add some nice drama, used sparingly.
• WATCH YOUR REFLECTION. You'll get home and upload a bunch of shots only to see your own mug in the paint.
• Try to catch some sunstars on chrome twinkles.

 

[LeDave]

• Fill flash.
• If you have a 20 or <, take it. Not sure why you're taking the 70-200, will you be shooting from a distance? I shoot very large auto shows with the 17-28.
• Don't shoot overtight frames. Leave the car some room to breathe on the whole-car beauty shots.
• Get plenty of detail shots. Wheels, interior, dash, grillwork, etc.
• Dutch tilts can add some nice drama, used sparingly.
• WATCH YOUR REFLECTION. You'll get home and upload a bunch of shots only to see your own mug in the paint.
• Try to catch some sunstars on chrome twinkles.

Thanks Brownie. I only have three lenses, one is dormant which is the kit lens. The other two are the 24-70 and 70-200. I am going to shoot his car with him in it as a portrait with the 70-200. The 24-70 is with just the car alone. How am I going to fill the whole car? Will the Godox 860II-S be strong enough? I only have that as a light source aside from ambient lighting. Thanks again.

 

[Brownie]

You only need to fill the deepest shadows on the car. You don't need (or want) to light the whole thing up.

 

[Deleted Member 5045]

Hope it turns out well mate. Looking forward to seeing the results if you are going to share them.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Make sure it's not driving at you
What others have said, especially Brownie, the reflection thing, and also watch errant reflections/refractions from light sources.